3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walks and to tackle terrain from uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering as they can handle anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to fall off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also excellent buggies to run with because they provide great stability in rough terrain and aid you in staying with your running companion. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and many of them come with built-in spring suspension so your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
A stroller with three wheels can be a challenge to maneuver because of its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design that makes the wheels turn up when not in use, which reduces their overall size and allows you navigate through doorways easily.
It's also important to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, make sure it has the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler to the buggy). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or only a little storage space at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel when folding if you wish to fit in even smaller space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They often have a swivelling wheel on the front that lets you change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models come with a lockable wheel that can give you stability on more rough terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, should you decide to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled bike off the paved tracks, it's worth opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also known as pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most challenging terrain. They may have to be pumped up from time to time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. It is recommended to choose one with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to assist you in navigating difficult terrains.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel on the front. Check to see if the model you're considering fits in the boot of your car and is able to be stood up, if necessary. Certain models can fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when they're collapsed, which will save space in smaller car boots.
A good 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy main streets to woodland tracks. It's important to consider how you will use it every day. If you're planning to run the school run, it must be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you intend to jog with it, make sure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on rural and urban walks. She noted that it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to jog with. It's also a great choice for day trips as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to fit a baby's needs from birth, including an infant carry cot or a lie-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seats is that the fabric sling is placed comfortably inside the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top like a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate position for baby and instantly provides lower center of gravity that is at the proper height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to lift the buggy off the curb's edge) and better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for the sling chair and are UV-resistant and air-tight. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy off-roading, then an all terrain buggy is more likely to suit your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These models have a larger base, are more stable and use air-filled tyres to provide smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat range, has added a new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. 3 wheeled pushchair -terrain stroller boasts a spacious and large seat that can be placed either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and features an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a generously sized shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy owners this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete wow factor. A large, padded seat that is world or parent facing with a new 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for many different configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. Whether it's a cozy setup to watch movies or a spacious arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers which makes it easier to clean spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. A variety of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you can choose a modular seating solution that suits your style. There are many functional features available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that allow simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually air filled and have suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on even the roughest roads and trails. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children often choose 3-wheel prams because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is an elegant burnished aluminum frame that has a simple, one-handed fold and forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with black frames with a carrycot that can be set in a full lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight and highly maneuverable. It's also incredibly fashionable. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). It all fits within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living, yet with a lot of innovation and control. It features a unique seat made of fabric that is placed comfortably within the frame at the right height to distribute the weight. This makes it easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.